Father Jean-Pierre played many matches for the Belgian
national team, while her older sister Chaine was one
of the best talents of the world. Following her
sister's knee injury, Kim is the only one of the
Staelens sisters representing the Orange colors.

Staelens grew up in Belgium, but moved to Netherlands
because there were a lot more volleyball opportunities
and due to her mother being Dutch, it was easy for her
to obtain the Dutch citizenship.

Although Staelens is only 21-years-old, she is now the
first choice setter of the Netherlands. Since Riette
Fledderus retired playing for the national team in the
middle of 2003, Staelens has the difficult task of
replacing the setter who was always the first choice
in the Dutch team since 1995. But there is no doubt
that Staelens will succeed. With her 182cm her
blocking capabilities are excellent, while all the
opponents have fear of her jump serve.

After some successful years in the Dutch league,
including a national championship with VC Weert,
Staelens first went to France and is now playing for
the German team of USC Munster.